Copa America tournament is the oldest still running international football competition, as well as the third most watched in the world. Winning Copa America has become a matter of prestige over the years for the Latin American football giants. Uruguay leads the list of winners with fifteen titles closely followed by Argentina with fourteen. To understand the turns of tides in the South America’s glorious tournament one should have a basic understanding about the teams who are favourites to win the competition. Defending champions Brazil return to Copa America action against Venezuela. Record champions Uruguay will kick off their campaign against Lionel Messi’s Argentina. Here we are focusing on five great Latin American football teams who have eyes on the trophy.
5. CHILE
The two time Copa America winners are coached by Martin Lasarte. Chile’s first Copa America title was in 2015 and they repeated the feat the very next year. Both times they faced the same opponents in the finals, Argentina. But this time Chile’s chances are lesser compared to Brazil and Argentina but they have the fire power to pull off some kind of miracle. They go as slight underdogs into the competition. Chilean team has many veteran players as the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas who are in their thirties. Captain Gary Medel, the Bologna FC player, is also 33 years of age. Chile are less likely to repeat their heroics in the tournament. Analysing in-play soccer game trends will be crucial in placing live bets on Chile.
4. COLOMBIA
Colombia is a one time winner of Copa America back in 2001. They were supposed to co-host the tournament but withdrew because of civil unrests. Colombian Coach Reinaldo Rueda’s decision to drop Colombian superstar James Rodriguez from the squad came as a shocker for the fans all over. The 29-year-old attacking midfielder holds 79 caps for the country. But the likes of Juan Cuadrado and David Ospina are included in the squad. Captain Radamel Falcao is also looking to Copa America heroics. Rangers FC star Alfredo Morelos has tested positive for COVID 19 while on international duty. This also adds up the condition of Colombian national football team ahead of the tournament.
3. URUGUAY
Uruguay has the record number of Copa America titles and will be looking to add their 16th title this season. Most of their successes came before 2000 and they have featured in 21 Copa America finals. Comparing to an ageing Chilean team or Colombian team, Uruguay has an impressive squad of players. Coach Oscar Tabarez has veteran in form strikers Edison Cavani and Luis Suarez at his disposal. Both are scoring goals at an impressive rate in their respective leagues. Veteran defender Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez form a solid back line and Fede Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur rules the centre. It is a squad with the mix of experience and young talents and Uruguay stands a chance to the trophy.
2. ARGENTINA
Lionel Scaloni as manager was able to instil confidence to the Argentinian team. They had the haunting memories of consecutive final losses and are desperate for a trophy. Copa America provides one of the last opportunities for Lionel Messi to clinch on an international trophy. In form players such as Lautaro Martinez, Rodrigo de Paul, Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi gives an edge to Argentina ahead of the tournament. The exclusion of Paulo Dybala is signalling that Scaloni has no plans for the Juventus ace. Argentina mounts a serious challenge on the title with the squad lead by Messi.
1. BRAZIL
Brazil are favourites to retain their crown this season. The defending champions have won the trophy nine times. Coach Tite has established a solid team and are eyeing to retain the title. Goalkeepers Alisson Becker and Ederson are in good shape and Thiago Silva has just won the Champions League. Dani Alves and Marquinhos are expected to extend their good run. Neymar Jr, Firmino and Gabriel Jesus all add up the firepower in attack. Casemiro also features in the midfield.
